For the second consecutive year, the Deceuninck – Quick-Step rider is the only European in the top 10 overall.
Deceuninck – Quick-Step was again one of the top performers at the Tour Colombia, leaving the South American event with three stage wins netted by as many different riders – Alvaro Hodeg (La Ceja), Bob Jungels (Medellin) and Julian Alaphilippe (La Union) – one rider in the general classification top 10 and a distinctive jersey, bringing to an end the team’s South American block of racing.
“I am very happy, it’s been an unforgettable week, and I want to thank everybody: my teammates, our staff, these incredible fans and the organisers. The atmosphere here was amazing and the welcome and cheers we received every day from the Colombian people were truly overwhelming. There’s a lot of love for cycling here and it’s been a huge pleasure to ride again in Colombia and enjoy so much success together with the Wolfpack”, a smiling Julian said after the queen stage.
On stage 6, Alaphilippe was again dully looked after by his Deceuninck – Quick-Step teammates, who chased down the breakaway and made sure everything came back together on the lower slopes of Alto Las Palmas (15.5km, 6.3%), a daunting climb used a few years ago at the National Championships, where the race exploded as a result of the myriad of attacks launched by the local riders.
Julian had his own race and focused on it, putting in an impressive effort, just twenty-four hours from his memorable stage victory that came at the end of an entire day spent in the break, and was handsomely rewarded for this, wrapping up the points classification and becoming the first European rider to win a distinctive jersey at the Tour Colombia, on top of finishing seventh in the GC for the second consecutive year.
“We knew a tough stage was in store today, but nevertheless, we took the responsibility and I am proud of how the boys controlled the breakaway. The climb was hard and I knew it was going to be difficult against all the Colombian riders, but I did everything that I could and I have no regrets. I am leaving with a stage win and the points jersey after what has been an unbelievable week for our team and I am now looking forward to recovering before my next goals of the season”, concluded Julian, whose next appointment will be Strade Bianche.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele/ Getty Images
